Rova of Antananarivo

The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex on top of Analamanga hill in Madagascar's capital. The buildings combine stone walls with wooden elements and show different construction phases through a mix of traditional Malagasy and European features.

King Andrianjaka founded the first fortified structure in 1610 after capturing the hill from the Vazimba. The Merina rulers expanded the complex over three centuries with new palaces and structures until the monarchy ended in 1897.

The Protestant chapel built in the second half of the 19th century shows the influence of Christian missionaries on the Merina monarchy, which had previously followed animist traditions. The royal tombs on the grounds remain important places for ritual veneration and are considered sacred by many Malagasy people today.

Guided tours of the site provide access to the restored buildings and offer explanations about the use of different rooms and structures. The climb up the hill requires some physical fitness as the path can be steep.

A devastating fire in 1995 destroyed large parts of the Manjakamiadana building and many historical artifacts, leading to extensive restoration work. The stone casing added by British architect James Cameron in 1867 was a technical novelty in Madagascar at the time and fundamentally changed the appearance of the royal residence.